4.1.2. Groundwater Resources

The total replenishable groundwater resources in the country are about 432 cubic km. The level of groundwater utilisation is relatively high in the river basins lying in north-western region and parts of south India.

Groundwater resources refer to the water stored underground in aquifers. In India, these resources total 432 cubic kilometers, which indicates a significant amount of water but highlights the limits of this resource. Regions like the north-western states (Punjab, Haryana) and parts of South India (like Tamil Nadu) use a lot of groundwater because they have vast agricultural needs and varying rainfall. This heavy usage underlines the importance of groundwater as a crucial water source, especially in areas where surface water is not sufficient.

Think of groundwater like a savings account. Just as you can withdraw money only up to your savings limit, we must use groundwater responsibly to avoid running out. If we withdraw too much too quickly, we may fall into debt (or in this case, cause depletion of our water resources).

The groundwater utilisation is very high in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu. However, there are States like Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Kerala, etc., which utilise only a small proportion of their groundwater potentials.

Different states in India use groundwater differently based on their agricultural, industrial, and domestic needs. For instance, Punjab and Haryana rely heavily on groundwater to irrigate their crops. In contrast, states like Chhattisgarh and Kerala are not using as much of their groundwater potential. This uneven usage shows that while some areas face a water crisis due to overuse, others have resources they aren’t tapping into effectively. This disparity can affect food security and economic stability in those regions opting not to fully utilise their available groundwater.

Imagine two farmers: one is pouring all their savings into their fields hoping for a bounty, while the other has rich, untapped land but spends all time on hobbies instead of farming. The first farmer might soon run out of resources due to over-expenditure, while the second could grow plentiful crops but chooses not to. This illustrates the varied groundwater usage across India.

In agriculture, water is mainly used for irrigation. Irrigation is needed because of spatio-temporal variability in rainfall in the country. The large tracts of the country are deficient in rainfall and are drought-prone.

Irrigation plays a critical role in agriculture, particularly in areas with inconsistent rainfall. India experiences uneven rainfall, meaning some regions may receive excessive rain while others face drought. This variability leads to a high dependency on irrigation systems to ensure crop growth and food production, as crops need a steady supply of water to thrive. Without effective irrigation, regions could suffer from crop failures, leading to economic hardships and food shortages.

Think of irrigation as a lifeline for farmers, much like a water hose for a garden. If it doesn't rain, the plants (crops) won't survive without that hose. Similarly, farmers in dry areas must rely on irrigation to water their crops when nature doesn’t provide.

If the present trend continues, the demands for water would need the supplies. And such situation will be detrimental to development, and can cause social upheaval and disruptions.

Continued over-exploitation of groundwater can lead to serious issues. As more water is used, the water table drops, making it harder to access this vital resource. Eventually, if too many people depend on it, it could result in water shortages, leading to conflicts and significant societal issues. This ongoing struggle for water could disrupt communities, affecting agricultural productivity and everyday life.

This situation can be likened to overusing a communal water tank. If everyone takes more than they need without refilling it, eventually the tank runs dry, leaving everyone with nothing. It emphasizes the need for sustainable practices in how we manage shared resources.

In future, with development, the shares of industrial and domestic sectors in the country are likely to increase.

As India continues to develop economically, the demand for water in different sectors will shift. Industries will require more water for manufacturing and processing, while domestic needs will rise as urban populations grow. This increased demand could lead to higher competition for available water resources, potentially exacerbating issues already faced by the agricultural sector.

Consider a growing town where a new factory is built. This factory needs lots of water, so the town that used to share the water fairly may soon find there’s less available for gardening, personal use, or agriculture. Growth needs to be balanced with sustainable usage of water resources to maintain harmony.

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